Cleaning the feet

[JCprince]

Hello again,
We were told to use surgical spirit or wipes, most of us chose wipes. We wore gloves until the feet were cleaned and checked. I'm glad I wear gloves to check my clients feet. I've had a couple of people who've had athletes foot quite bad between their toes and I wouldn't want to spread the infection! I had to abandon treatment until it had cleared. I would never use rubber gloves because of all the allergies (mine included), I use vinyl gloves. No-one has ever complained.
Claire

 

[junaid]

I had to smile at the surgical spirit thing. I was told to use surgical spirit when I was training and I always thought it a bit harsh. However, I actually liked it used on me, I liked the coldness and how it made my feet feel fresh.

Since I qualified though I've never used it I just use no fragrance baby wipes and I've never had anyone complain about having their feet wiped.

I now sometimes use the new anti-bac gel that's out now and massage it inbetween the tootsies while doing the relaxation techniques at the beginning.

 

[Shinea Labelle]

In my class we dont physically clean the clients feet, they sit with their feet in warm soapy water whilst I am talking to them...then i put a towel on my knee, they put one foot onto my lap and i dry the feet whilst inspecting them...all with gloves on of course.

 

[yakevinhoo63]

Gloves? Why? I'd leave!!

Maggie xx

 

[Acid]

I'd be right with you Mog!

 

[Bruce Parry]

That makes no sense at all, the feet have been cleaned in the bowl of water and you take the gloves off presumably to carry out the actually reflexology treatment, so why would you wear them to observe and dry the feet. Observation can be done effectively with the eyes, there is no reason for you to be palpating an infected area in order to find it. Obviously if thats what you need to do to get through the course do it, but if you don't want to scare off your customers when out in the real world, I'd lose the gloves after you qualify

 

[Easter Bunny]

Aren't some reflexology tutors anal!

We're living in a Gordon Blair nanny state.

RP

 

[Divine Oubliette]

....cos its a VTCT course and they are very 'Health and Safety'...pretty crap really.

I dont actually put the gloves on, but I am supposed to (shhhh).

 

[Eldbxpljqa]

We wont tell!!!

 

[citcat45]

Most colleges use surgical spirit to clean the feet because it is cheap! There is no research to back up its use.

 

[Nandy Joe]

I practice Gentle Touch Reflexology and during training were not taught to clean the clients feet.

We also use a very light oil to carry out the treatment and this, in my opinion, makes the feet and my hands feel fabulous .

xx

 

[inquirygirl]

Well, if you read the blurb on a bottle of Surgical Spirit, it does say that it hardens the skin. Most people want their feet to feel soft and are at great pains to get rid of hard skin. The smell is also very overpowering and lingers for a long time - not exactly helpful for a relaxing treatment.

I only clean the feet if there is obviously a lot of dirt and grit -usually in the summer when clients wear open shoes - and then I only use an unscented wipe.

Just off on a slight tangent, we are often taught to keep things sterile, but although I know many people use dishwashers or disposable cups, it's always considered quite acceptable to wash a glass used for drinking water in hot water and washing up water. We not only do it in clinic, but in our personal lives. Cups, glasses and cutlery go from mouth to mouth, with just normal washing in between, without any problem.